how to get better gas mileage
Professional
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: GTMO & Carbondale, IL
You and I both! My only complaint about the Cummins is that they wont put it in a Power Wagon. (Ram I hope you've got a consumer spy reading this and that they are smart enough to take the hint)
Thread Starter
|
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Tuner meaning Superchips or Diablo programmer. For the exhaust if your on a budget I would go with a dual cat-back, if money isn't an issue I would do the whole thing. CAI = Cold air intake.
Here is the deal though, yes these things may help with mpg however as rocket said once you've got them try not stepping on the gas hard. It wont happen. It would be like hiring a hooker only for a strip tease, not gonna happen.
Here is the deal though, yes these things may help with mpg however as rocket said once you've got them try not stepping on the gas hard. It wont happen. It would be like hiring a hooker only for a strip tease, not gonna happen.
Professional
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: GTMO & Carbondale, IL
Once you've modified the truck you wont go easy on the throttle. Therefore any gas mileage increases the modifications may have made will be defaulted due to the heavier foot you will gain.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2004 1500 GC, 4.7L 4x4.
Factory sized tires, factory ride height. 80k miles
new plugs, ebay CAI, Magnaflow cat back, all installed the day I bought my truck.
I'm averaging 17.5 I live less than 8 miles from the interstate, on a State Route, and drive all hilly country roads to work. 17.5 is 5 days to work, a few trips to the mall and anywhere else I need to go. The BEST I've gotten is 19.2 all highway, filling up, jumping on the interstate and staying there for 315 miles. I left ohio, through west virginia and up into northern PA. My driving style is easy, I mostly keep it under 2k accelerating, and try to drive smart, if I have to stop 300 yards down the road why floor it? Use the down hill to gain a few extra mph so you don't hit the next hill so hard.
If I scoot around pretty good flooring it often, driving hard, I will get around 14-14.5
I got all the parts to do a 3" body lift, and a set of 33" Tires and rims to go on there....I imagnie its going to drop.
Factory sized tires, factory ride height. 80k miles
new plugs, ebay CAI, Magnaflow cat back, all installed the day I bought my truck.
I'm averaging 17.5 I live less than 8 miles from the interstate, on a State Route, and drive all hilly country roads to work. 17.5 is 5 days to work, a few trips to the mall and anywhere else I need to go. The BEST I've gotten is 19.2 all highway, filling up, jumping on the interstate and staying there for 315 miles. I left ohio, through west virginia and up into northern PA. My driving style is easy, I mostly keep it under 2k accelerating, and try to drive smart, if I have to stop 300 yards down the road why floor it? Use the down hill to gain a few extra mph so you don't hit the next hill so hard.
If I scoot around pretty good flooring it often, driving hard, I will get around 14-14.5
I got all the parts to do a 3" body lift, and a set of 33" Tires and rims to go on there....I imagnie its going to drop.
Grand Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,041
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, Arizona
You want better gas mileage, DO NOT drive at a snails pace, it may work out nice on a light weight car but for a heavy *** truck thats gonna end up costing you more than stepping on the gas.
IMO the way to get better gas mileage is to add items that will help the truck get up to speed quicker AND allow it to run more efficiently.
First things first, get up to date on everything i.e. oil changes, spark plugs, clean the TB, check your EGR valve ect. Litterally go from front to back and make sure that everything is up to date.
Then....
Save your money on the exhaust and do not buy a cat back, cat back exhausts add pipe to make it look nice for a pretty penny and add a new muffler but do not replace any of the restrictions in you exhaust setup. Instead buy the muffler you like for a fraction of the cost and add a new Y pipe to get rid of the restriction that it adds, it'll save you a couple hundered right there. There is no gas savings between a cat back and replacing the muffler and Y, its more for looks than anything. The CAI is another one, you can make one for $50 and it'll do the same as any of the other ones that run in the $300+ range (until you get into some heavy modding). The combo of those two only netted me a bout 1.5mpgs if that, so why pay almost a grand in fancy parts for a measily 1.5mpg's when you can get the same results for about $150-$200? Save the cash and put it towards some other items that are proven to give you increases in both MPG's and performance.
The tuner is the first real gain, spend the $$$ on that to not only help add about 2-3mpg's but also add some more power for your towing and everyday driving. When using the tuner though, dont use the economy tune, there are more people that have seen dramatic increases in economy using the 91 performance tunes than what they saw using the economy 87 tunes. In combination with the exhaust and the CAI to help it breath better the tuner helps get your truck running the way it should be running.
Next step since you said you Tow would be a set of gears. Gears WILL make a difference on your day to day driving mpg's as well as towing mpg's as it will allow your truck to get up to speed easier and quicker putting less strain on your engine. They do cost a bit but after all is said and done the results will speak for themselves and would rank high on my things to do list.
Another good cheap way to improve the way the truck performs and the mpg's at the same time is to add an electric fan (e-fan) to replace the stock clutch fan. This will allow the engine to run easier and thus netting you some extra ponies and a few extra mpg's. You can buy one out of a taurus (check the faqs section or do a search for it) for around what $30 give or take? I believe that this mod is one of the more noticeable ones as far as the extra hp and mpgs are concerened.
So, other than the gears which will cost around a grand, Spend about $200 on an exhaust AND cold air intake, spend between $150 and $350 on a tuner (depending if you go new or used), and $30-$50 on an efan for your truck and pick up some cheap easy mods that do improve the performance and mpg's of your vehicle. Your truck will sound better (which is why most say that you will lose mpg gains from those mods cause we ALL like to hear the exhaust somtimes), perform better, accelerate better, tow better and because of all of that the mpg's should jump quite a bit.
IMO the way to get better gas mileage is to add items that will help the truck get up to speed quicker AND allow it to run more efficiently.
First things first, get up to date on everything i.e. oil changes, spark plugs, clean the TB, check your EGR valve ect. Litterally go from front to back and make sure that everything is up to date.
Then....
Save your money on the exhaust and do not buy a cat back, cat back exhausts add pipe to make it look nice for a pretty penny and add a new muffler but do not replace any of the restrictions in you exhaust setup. Instead buy the muffler you like for a fraction of the cost and add a new Y pipe to get rid of the restriction that it adds, it'll save you a couple hundered right there. There is no gas savings between a cat back and replacing the muffler and Y, its more for looks than anything. The CAI is another one, you can make one for $50 and it'll do the same as any of the other ones that run in the $300+ range (until you get into some heavy modding). The combo of those two only netted me a bout 1.5mpgs if that, so why pay almost a grand in fancy parts for a measily 1.5mpg's when you can get the same results for about $150-$200? Save the cash and put it towards some other items that are proven to give you increases in both MPG's and performance.
The tuner is the first real gain, spend the $$$ on that to not only help add about 2-3mpg's but also add some more power for your towing and everyday driving. When using the tuner though, dont use the economy tune, there are more people that have seen dramatic increases in economy using the 91 performance tunes than what they saw using the economy 87 tunes. In combination with the exhaust and the CAI to help it breath better the tuner helps get your truck running the way it should be running.
Next step since you said you Tow would be a set of gears. Gears WILL make a difference on your day to day driving mpg's as well as towing mpg's as it will allow your truck to get up to speed easier and quicker putting less strain on your engine. They do cost a bit but after all is said and done the results will speak for themselves and would rank high on my things to do list.
Another good cheap way to improve the way the truck performs and the mpg's at the same time is to add an electric fan (e-fan) to replace the stock clutch fan. This will allow the engine to run easier and thus netting you some extra ponies and a few extra mpg's. You can buy one out of a taurus (check the faqs section or do a search for it) for around what $30 give or take? I believe that this mod is one of the more noticeable ones as far as the extra hp and mpgs are concerened.
So, other than the gears which will cost around a grand, Spend about $200 on an exhaust AND cold air intake, spend between $150 and $350 on a tuner (depending if you go new or used), and $30-$50 on an efan for your truck and pick up some cheap easy mods that do improve the performance and mpg's of your vehicle. Your truck will sound better (which is why most say that you will lose mpg gains from those mods cause we ALL like to hear the exhaust somtimes), perform better, accelerate better, tow better and because of all of that the mpg's should jump quite a bit.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
You want better gas mileage, DO NOT drive at a snails pace, it may work out nice on a light weight car but for a heavy *** truck thats gonna end up costing you more than stepping on the gas.
IMO the way to get better gas mileage is to add items that will help the truck get up to speed quicker AND allow it to run more efficiently.
First things first, get up to date on everything i.e. oil changes, spark plugs, clean the TB, check your EGR valve ect. Litterally go from front to back and make sure that everything is up to date.
Then....
Save your money on the exhaust and do not buy a cat back, cat back exhausts add pipe to make it look nice for a pretty penny and add a new muffler but do not replace any of the restrictions in you exhaust setup. Instead buy the muffler you like for a fraction of the cost and add a new Y pipe to get rid of the restriction that it adds, it'll save you a couple hundered right there. There is no gas savings between a cat back and replacing the muffler and Y, its more for looks than anything. The CAI is another one, you can make one for $50 and it'll do the same as any of the other ones that run in the $300+ range (until you get into some heavy modding). The combo of those two only netted me a bout 1.5mpgs if that, so why pay almost a grand in fancy parts for a measily 1.5mpg's when you can get the same results for about $150-$200? Save the cash and put it towards some other items that are proven to give you increases in both MPG's and performance.
The tuner is the first real gain, spend the $$$ on that to not only help add about 2-3mpg's but also add some more power for your towing and everyday driving. When using the tuner though, dont use the economy tune, there are more people that have seen dramatic increases in economy using the 91 performance tunes than what they saw using the economy 87 tunes. In combination with the exhaust and the CAI to help it breath better the tuner helps get your truck running the way it should be running.
Next step since you said you Tow would be a set of gears. Gears WILL make a difference on your day to day driving mpg's as well as towing mpg's as it will allow your truck to get up to speed easier and quicker putting less strain on your engine. They do cost a bit but after all is said and done the results will speak for themselves and would rank high on my things to do list.
Another good cheap way to improve the way the truck performs and the mpg's at the same time is to add an electric fan (e-fan) to replace the stock clutch fan. This will allow the engine to run easier and thus netting you some extra ponies and a few extra mpg's. You can buy one out of a taurus (check the faqs section or do a search for it) for around what $30 give or take? I believe that this mod is one of the more noticeable ones as far as the extra hp and mpgs are concerened.
So, other than the gears which will cost around a grand, Spend about $200 on an exhaust AND cold air intake, spend between $150 and $350 on a tuner (depending if you go new or used), and $30-$50 on an efan for your truck and pick up some cheap easy mods that do improve the performance and mpg's of your vehicle. Your truck will sound better (which is why most say that you will lose mpg gains from those mods cause we ALL like to hear the exhaust somtimes), perform better, accelerate better, tow better and because of all of that the mpg's should jump quite a bit.
IMO the way to get better gas mileage is to add items that will help the truck get up to speed quicker AND allow it to run more efficiently.
First things first, get up to date on everything i.e. oil changes, spark plugs, clean the TB, check your EGR valve ect. Litterally go from front to back and make sure that everything is up to date.
Then....
Save your money on the exhaust and do not buy a cat back, cat back exhausts add pipe to make it look nice for a pretty penny and add a new muffler but do not replace any of the restrictions in you exhaust setup. Instead buy the muffler you like for a fraction of the cost and add a new Y pipe to get rid of the restriction that it adds, it'll save you a couple hundered right there. There is no gas savings between a cat back and replacing the muffler and Y, its more for looks than anything. The CAI is another one, you can make one for $50 and it'll do the same as any of the other ones that run in the $300+ range (until you get into some heavy modding). The combo of those two only netted me a bout 1.5mpgs if that, so why pay almost a grand in fancy parts for a measily 1.5mpg's when you can get the same results for about $150-$200? Save the cash and put it towards some other items that are proven to give you increases in both MPG's and performance.
The tuner is the first real gain, spend the $$$ on that to not only help add about 2-3mpg's but also add some more power for your towing and everyday driving. When using the tuner though, dont use the economy tune, there are more people that have seen dramatic increases in economy using the 91 performance tunes than what they saw using the economy 87 tunes. In combination with the exhaust and the CAI to help it breath better the tuner helps get your truck running the way it should be running.
Next step since you said you Tow would be a set of gears. Gears WILL make a difference on your day to day driving mpg's as well as towing mpg's as it will allow your truck to get up to speed easier and quicker putting less strain on your engine. They do cost a bit but after all is said and done the results will speak for themselves and would rank high on my things to do list.
Another good cheap way to improve the way the truck performs and the mpg's at the same time is to add an electric fan (e-fan) to replace the stock clutch fan. This will allow the engine to run easier and thus netting you some extra ponies and a few extra mpg's. You can buy one out of a taurus (check the faqs section or do a search for it) for around what $30 give or take? I believe that this mod is one of the more noticeable ones as far as the extra hp and mpgs are concerened.
So, other than the gears which will cost around a grand, Spend about $200 on an exhaust AND cold air intake, spend between $150 and $350 on a tuner (depending if you go new or used), and $30-$50 on an efan for your truck and pick up some cheap easy mods that do improve the performance and mpg's of your vehicle. Your truck will sound better (which is why most say that you will lose mpg gains from those mods cause we ALL like to hear the exhaust somtimes), perform better, accelerate better, tow better and because of all of that the mpg's should jump quite a bit.
+1 on most of these.... to add to it, What i have done to help mine is i use a can of Seafoam (fuel injector cleaner) every thousand miles when you fill up and also a half a can in the intake, also find a gas station that offers 100% pure gas (no ethenol) and also i haven't seen n e one mentions a $50 k&n air filter. These three have increased my horse power and gas mileage pretty good bit. I got a 06 quad cab 4x4 hemi gettin average of 17.5 mpg. Pretty good for me
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
This is the observation i have made, In my Owner's manual they recommend using 89 Octane fuel (Mid Range here in Canada). When the price of Gas rises i will put just regular 87 Octane. When i put Regular gas in i get maybe 13-14 MPG, but when i put mid range 89 Octane I have gotten as high as 16-17 mpg. So i have come to the conclusion that the extra few cents from regular to mid range is worth it not only in gas mileage but also better for my Hemi. I have yet to fill it up with Premium.
And i agree, with the earlier statements, as nice of a sound the Hemi makes on take off or acceleration, i try and keep my RPM's under 2k.
And i agree, with the earlier statements, as nice of a sound the Hemi makes on take off or acceleration, i try and keep my RPM's under 2k.
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
Nice post Truckin!
Most gas is coming with 7% ethanol and if you do the math calculations it averages out to be less than 1mpg loss per mile. I have done the math and it is way less than what everyone thinks it is.
There is a budget in place to pass a bill to allow 15%...ughhh
Anyways, the best mileage I have got was with my SC tuner. It requires alot of fiddling and know-how to get set-up properly as I have customized my tuning support with features they support.
My last tank towing around town, I got 342 miles for the tank. When I filled up I calculated it out to be 15.8mpg's. While I think that is phenominal I don';t expect to regularly get that, but I haven't seen anything below 12mpg's at all since installing the SC so it's doing something right!
Reg maintenance is key though. Plugs, fluids..tires..alignment...etc.
Most gas is coming with 7% ethanol and if you do the math calculations it averages out to be less than 1mpg loss per mile. I have done the math and it is way less than what everyone thinks it is.
There is a budget in place to pass a bill to allow 15%...ughhh
Anyways, the best mileage I have got was with my SC tuner. It requires alot of fiddling and know-how to get set-up properly as I have customized my tuning support with features they support.
My last tank towing around town, I got 342 miles for the tank. When I filled up I calculated it out to be 15.8mpg's. While I think that is phenominal I don';t expect to regularly get that, but I haven't seen anything below 12mpg's at all since installing the SC so it's doing something right!
Reg maintenance is key though. Plugs, fluids..tires..alignment...etc.